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Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Geometric Elisalex Dress @By Hand London.

Inspiration: The geometric print its very funky and modern so I decided to create a contrast with a vintage lace and a big collar. For the styling I concentrate my make up on the eyes, with a lot of blue & grey tones and braided fringe. The belt is made of lace and the coat is Zara.

Pattern:By Hand London: Elisalex Dress. The pattern comes in a sleeved envelope, it is printed in tissue pattern and has a instruction booklet. It has contemporary fashion illustration instead of traditional pattern layout. I like it personally because it express their individuality.

On the outer sleeve there is a little biography from who the pattern is named after. It's cute. I like the layout of the back of the booklet with a few alterations. I think even with a exaggerated skirt, the pattern should allocate a hip measurement. I also would love to know the ease and the finished item size. I offered this feedback to Elisalex and she said she would take on board and if they receive enough of the same feedback they would alter future prints. So please leave your thoughts on theirFacebook Page.

Once you open the booklet, it has a little intro about the company and a few tips before the project start, the layplan (layout plan) and the instructions. For me, the instructions are simple, however I don't follow step by step and I think for people that like to be advice every step there are a few steps missing. I would say it's more like a guidance than instructions.

Since this pattern is not for complete beginners, I feel the instructions are appropriate to this level. I also think the dress is fairly easy to sew and a beginner could do it.

Fabric: This Gorgeous print Gilt Trip Links in Metallic. There are so many hight thread count cottons available in the market today and they are perfect for clothes. What make it so great it's because they are very easy to handle and press, mistakes don't spoilt the fabric if you need to unpick and the endless possibilities for colour and style. I'm sold, you know I made many outfits in quilting cotton.

As I mention, both pattern and fabric were kindly given to me by Annie from The Village Haberdashery and I am so grateful for it. I can also say that I was a happy customer before she approached me.

Size and alterations: You may know the pattern 1st print been taken out the market due some grading errors, which I spotted and fixed it. My alteration journey can be seen here including my 2 muslins.

Pattern skill: You would need to know how to sew curves, zipper, set sleeves and lining (optional)

Year: Modern. I made mine look a little vintage-tea dress.

Details and Notions: vintage lace and invisible zipper. I need to add a hook and eye still. Self draft collar.

Time to complete: 4 hours on and off. I have to say next run of the pattern would be a bit quicker.

First worn: Nov 15. Another very grey and cloudy english autumn day. I manage to get few rays of sunshine in between the clouds. My local park was still stunning...

Will you make it again? Yes, If you seen my muslin 2 the play in stripes would love very cute on this pattern.

What I could have done better? In my rush to finish I messed the lace collar a bit and I should had added the hook and eye before the photos.

What did you particularly like or dislike about this pattern: I love they are independent designers from London, so lets keep supporting local creative business. I love the back design and the skirt pleas. I am not of fan of exposed zipper so I omitted.

Photo shoot camera: Olympus D 475+ Gorilla tripod. * I have worked on the incorrectly printed pattern and regraded by hand.

Stunning Rachel!! And I love the addition of the collar - such a pretty detail to contrast with the geometric fabric. We salute you for doing such a justice to the dress despite not having the revised pattern!

To add a note about the finished measurements - we have said that there is minimal ease in the bodice of this figure hugging dress, and the finished measurements are equal to that of the bust and waist measurements given on the folder. We will be including this information on the product pages, and on all future packaging after this first print run. And yes please - any feedback as to how we can improve, or even what you think we're already doing right, is massively appreciated so we can only keep on getting better with every collection to come!

Thank you for the lovely write up Rachel, and we can't wait to see your next BHL make!!

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